TALAYAN, Maguindanao – Top Muslim officials have raised bounties in exchange for any information leading to the arrest of perpetrators in the April 21 bombing of the mosque here that left six people injured including the former mayor of this town and his incumbent mayor-son of nearby Datu Anggal municipality.
In separate statements, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, and his brother ARMM Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu announced having put up unspecified sums as rewards for any informant who could help authorities identify the grenade throwers.
Talayan former Mayor Hadji Ali Midtimbang, and his son, Mayor Nathaniel of nearby Datu Anggal town were injured alongside four other residents when still unidentified motorcycle-riding men hurled two hand grenades inside the mosque compound here while worshippers were exiting the place.
Only one of the grenades exploded that inflicted shrapnel wounds on the victims.
Relatives of the Midtimbangs had earlier expressed belief that an old family grudge could be a motive in the said attack. (Ali G. Macabalang)